The majority of our Toronto patients find that a local anesthetic is enough to keep them comfortable during dental procedures. Dental sedation, on the other hand, can be beneficial for patients who have dental anxiety or heightened sensitivity.
Our Toronto team of dentists provides our patients with a relaxed and comfortable dental experience, whatever the reason for their visit.
Many of our patients find that a local anesthetic is enough to keep them comfortable during routine dental treatments and procedures. However, some patients require the additional assistance of dental sedation to help them feel calm and relaxed about their treatment.
Each of our patients is unique. That's why every one of our patient's sedation and general anesthesia needs is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Our dental professionals may recommend sedation for patients who fall into the following categories:
- Patients with low pain tolerance;
- Patients with high anxiety or fear;
- Patients who find that local anesthetic is not effective in pain control;
- Patients with allergies to local aesthetic;
- Patients who require long, complex, or particularly invasive dental procedures;
- Patients who have difficulties staying still during dental treatment;
- Patients who have difficulty holding their mouth open for sustained periods;
- Patients with special needs due to mental or physical disabilities;
- Patients with special healthcare requirements;
- Patients who are medically compromised;
- Patients suffering from dental phobias;
- Patients with exaggerated gag reflexes.
Our dentists want you to receive dental care in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
Is dental sedation safe for children?
When it comes to dental care, the idea of giving sedative drugs to children can make parents nervous. Parents frequently ask us if it's worth it to pay for a simple dental procedure. Isn't that going too far? Shouldn't they let their children become accustomed to going to the dentist on their own?
Sedation and anesthesia, without a doubt, should be taken very seriously. However, when used sparingly and by experienced and trained medical professionals, these procedures should be safe for a child.
Sedatives can play a key role in providing children with necessary and critical dental healthcare.
Benefits of Dental Sedation for Children
For some children, going to the dentist can be a very stressful and frightening experience. There are many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells at the dentist's office that can be very intimidating to them! Unfortunately, many people carry these negative childhood experiences into adulthood and develop dental phobias.
Sedation is extremely beneficial in treating these anxious children without causing further distress and in providing them with the most positive dental experience possible.
Positive early dental experiences can often pave the way for these children to develop a healthy, confident approach to dental care as they grow. As a result, you may enjoy better oral health for the rest of your life!
What Sedation Options Are There?
There are three basic types of sedation options.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a sedative that is administered to patients by combining it with oxygen. It aids in the relaxation of patients who are anxious, nervous, or afraid. Parents must understand that the use of nitrous oxide does not impair a patient's reflexes or render them unconscious.
Oral Conscious Sedation
A variety of medications can be used to achieve oral conscious sedation. Our Toronto dentists can recommend the best oral conscious sedation option for your child and will always be happy to answer any questions you may have.
While oral conscious sedation usually does not render a patient unconscious, it can make them drowsy enough to sleep during the procedure. After the sedation wears off, many patients have no recollection of their dental procedure.
General Anesthesia
The term "general anesthesia" refers to the use of drugs to render a patient unconscious. Anesthesia is typically recommended for patients who have limited comprehension, severe behavioural issues, and/or high pain sensitivity.
Our team of dental professionals prioritizes quality dental care for your children with utmost safety and comfort, always.